hypotermiaan

Hypotermiaan is the condition commonly known as hypothermia, in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing core temperature to fall below normal. Clinically significant hypothermia is usually defined as a core temperature below about 35 °C (95 °F). It arises from prolonged exposure to cold air or water, wet clothing, wind, impaired thermoregulation (older age, infants, some medical conditions), intoxication, or trauma.

Early symptoms include intense shivering, cold extremities, numbness, and slurred speech. As core temperature drops, shivering may stop and cognitive and motor functions decline, producing confusion, drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse, and loss of consciousness. Severe hypothermia increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and can be life‑threatening.

Diagnosis is based on clinical history and core temperature measurement when available. Assessment includes evaluation for coexisting injuries, metabolic disturbances, or substance intoxication that can mimic or exacerbate hypothermia.

Management depends on severity. Mild cases often respond to passive rewarming (insulation, dry clothes, warm environment, warm oral fluids if alert). Moderate to severe cases require active rewarming and medical care, which may include warmed intravenous fluids, airway support, cardiac monitoring, and, in selected cases, extracorporeal rewarming. Careful handling is important because rough movement can precipitate arrhythmias. Emergency medical services should be contacted for significant hypothermia.

Prevention focuses on adequate clothing, shelter, avoiding prolonged exposure and wetness, and monitoring vulnerable individuals. Prognosis varies with temperature, duration of exposure, underlying health, and timeliness of treatment; recovery is common with prompt care, while prolonged severe hypothermia can be fatal.